Outgoing Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to the media as he leaves 10 Downing Street following Labour’s landslide election victory on July 5, 2024 in London, England.
Leon Neal | Getty Images News | Getty Images
LONDON – Outgoing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday said he will step down as the leader of the Conservative Party after the opposition Labour Party secured a landslide victory in Thursday’s nationwide election.
Sunak confirmed he will offer his resignation as prime minister and step down as the leader of the Conservative Party as soon as the formal arrangements for selecting his successor are in place.
“This is a difficult day, at the end of a number of difficult days,” Sunak said during a final address outside of Downing Street. “But I leave this job honored to have been your prime minister.”
Speaking to crowds on 10 Downing Street, Sunak said: “I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change, and yours is the only judgment that matters.”
“I have heard your anger, your discipline, and I take responsibility for this loss to all the conservative candidates and campaigners who work tirelessly but without success,” he added.
Sunak was appointed prime minister in October 2022, becoming the first British Asian to take office. He held the post for just 20 months.
This breaking news story will be updated shortly.